Job 15:35

Job 15:35 (KJV) states, "They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit." This powerful verse, spoken by Eliphaz the Temanite, offers a stark portrayal of the progression and consequences of wickedness.

Context

This verse comes from Eliphaz's second discourse to Job, found in Job chapter 15. Eliphaz, one of Job's three friends, is attempting to explain Job's immense suffering by asserting that it must be a direct result of Job's hidden sin. In this speech, Eliphaz paints a vivid picture of the wicked person's character and ultimate downfall, arguing that those who "conceive mischief" will inevitably face divine retribution. While Eliphaz's theology is ultimately revealed to be flawed in its application to Job, his description of the nature of sin holds a general truth about the human tendency towards evil and its futile outcomes.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Origin and Progression of Sin: The verse highlights that sin begins in the mind ("conceive mischief") before manifesting in action or outcome ("bring forth vanity"). This progression underscores the importance of internal thoughts and intentions.
• The Futility of Wickedness: The phrase "bring forth vanity" emphasizes that the fruit of evil intentions is emptiness, worthlessness, or something that ultimately leads to ruin and disappointment. Wickedness, despite its temporary allure, yields no lasting good.
• The Nature of Deceit: "Their belly prepareth deceit" points to the inner being or heart as the workshop where schemes of deception are meticulously planned and prepared. This suggests a deliberate and premeditated aspect of wickedness.
• Divine Justice (from Eliphaz's perspective): Although misapplied to Job, Eliphaz's argument generally reflects the biblical principle that there are consequences for unrighteous living, and that God sees and judges the intents of the heart.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "mischief" is 'amal (עָמָל), which can mean trouble, toil, sorrow, or wickedness, often implying affliction or misery that one brings upon oneself or others.
• "Vanity" comes from 'aven (אָוֶן), signifying trouble, sorrow, calamity, but also futility, worthlessness, or even idolatry. It speaks to the emptiness and lack of substance in the results of evil.
• "Belly" is beten (בֶּטֶן), which often refers to the womb or physical belly, but metaphorically can represent the innermost part of a person, the seat of thoughts, emotions, and intentions, similar to the "heart" in biblical terms.
• "Deceit" is mirmah (מִרְמָה), meaning treachery, fraud, or deception, highlighting the premeditated nature of the wicked person's schemes.

Related Scriptures

The idea that evil originates from within is a consistent biblical theme. Jesus taught that "out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Similarly, James 1:15 describes the progression of sin: "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." The ultimate futility of human endeavors apart from God is a major theme in Ecclesiastes, which famously declares "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity". This verse also resonates with Psalm 7:14, which says, "Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood."

Practical Application

Job 15:35 serves as a profound reminder for self-examination. It challenges us to consider:

1. The Source of Our Actions: Are our thoughts aligned with God's truth, or are we conceiving "mischief" and planning "deceit" in our hearts? True transformation begins with the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2).
2. The Futility of Sin: This verse underscores that a life built on deceit and wickedness ultimately produces "vanity" – emptiness and ruin. Pursuing righteousness, however, leads to lasting fruit and genuine fulfillment.
3. Discerning Truth: While Eliphaz's application was flawed, the verse itself speaks to a universal truth about human nature. It encourages us to be vigilant about our inner lives and to seek to live with integrity and honesty, knowing that God sees the heart.